Posts

JMC to expand its SA bakkie lineup in 2026

Image
Chinese automaker JMC has announced its plans to expand its South African bakkie portfolio in 2026. Vigus. Image: JMC Following JMC’s (Jiangling Motor Corporation) re-entry into the South African light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment with the Vigus Plus and Vigus Pro – the latter of which we sampled at the local launch in January 2026 – the Nanchang-based automaker has confirmed its plans to expand its bakkie portfolio in 2026 with three new models. Salvador Caetano Auto South Africa will oversee local importation and distribution for the JMC brand. At the SA introduction of the initial Vigus lineup, the automaker revealed a pre-production version of the new Vigus , which is scheduled to be released in 2026. The model on display sported a set of 20-inch wheels, shod in all-terrain tyres. Expected to launch in SA in the first quarter of 2026 , the new Vigus will join the current models in the brand’s local bakkie portfolio. In other markets, this derivative is available with t...
Post a Comment
Read more

13 most affordable automatic compact SUVs in SA

Image
Looking for a budget-friendly compact SUV but don’t want to row cogs yourself? Well, we have compiled a list of the most affordable compact crossovers equipped with automatic transmissions in South Africa.  12=. Jaecoo J5 1.5T Core – from R339 900 Image: Jaecoo The Jaecoo J5, which we sampled over the 2025/2026 festive season, employs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 115 kW and 230 N.m. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a CVT transmission. This drivetrain is employed across the four-strong local J5 model range, which is priced from R339 900 for the entry-level Core model . 12=. Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Street + – from R339 900 Image: Omoda The Omoda C5 is powered by a 115kW/230 N.m 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which, in Street + spec is paired with a CVT transmission. However, unlike its Jaecoo J5 sibling, the C5 can also be had with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (from C5 X guise). It is worth noting that the models equip...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ineos Grenadier handed key updates for 2026

Image
The Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon and Quartermaster bakkie have been handed key updates for the 2026 model year. Image: INEOS Ineos has handed the Grenadier Station Wagon and Grenadier Quartermaster bakkie a few key updates to improve everyday usability and off-roading prowess. The revisions include a upgrades to the climate control system and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), and, perhaps most noteworthy, reworked steering setup, which features a variable ratio for the first time. According to the British marque, the lower ratio around the central steering position provides a “firmer” feel to deliver “more precision” and “greater” responsiveness. The ratio at each end of the steering gear remains unchanged to ensure the rugged off-roader remains capable off the beaten track. The turning circle has also been reduced, by around 5%, to ensure improved manoeuvrability round town and in tight off-road settings.  “We’ve continuously enhanced and upgraded the Grenadier sin...
Post a Comment
Read more

Chery to produce cars at Jaguar Land Rover plant in UK – report

Image
A report has suggested that Chery and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) are in talks about the Chinese automaker using the extra capacity of JLR’s UK factories to produce Chery and Omoda & Jaecoo models. Image: Chery Recently, Chery South Africa has announced that, come mid-2026, it will purchase Nissan SA’s Rosslyn production plant . As we reported on 23 January 2026, “This shift comes amid mounting pressure on Chinese manufacturers, with new Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) guidelines prohibiting below-cost vehicle pricing, alongside tighter export rules taking effect in 2026.” However, it seems that there may be more in the Wuhu-based brand’s future regarding the manufacturing of its vehicles. Indeed, according to a report from Financial Times , the Chinese marque and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) are currently in discussion regarding the production of Chery and Omoda & Jaecoo vehicles at one of JLR’s assembly facilities in the UK. The negotiations – which are ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class unveiled with new V8

Image
Mercedes-Benz has lifted the veil off the thoroughly revised S-Class, with the updated model sporting fresh exterior design elements, upgraded tech, and, perhaps the most noteworthy, a new V8 engine option. Image: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Mercedes-Benz has handed the S-Class a round of thorough updates, including a new V8 engine option. So, let’s first take a look at the powertrain lineup… The S350d 4Matic employs a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six incorporating 48 V mild-hybrid tech – the latter of which providing a 17 kW/205 N.m boost for short durations. The S350d 4Matic produces 230 kW and 650 N.m. The full complement of torque is available from a low 1 200 r/min. According to the firm, these figures allow the S350d 4Matic to complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds, before topping out at 250 km/h. The average fuel consumption is rated at 6.2 L/100 km. The S450d 4Matic employs the same 3.0-litre, six-cylinder oil-burner as the S350d 4Matic, though gains a boost in power ...
Post a Comment
Read more

8 most powerful bakkies in SA in 2026

Image
We have rounded up the eight most powerful bakkies available in South Africa in SA. See the full list below… In the highly competitive local bakkie segment, there are several double-cabs producing significant power outputs. But who takes the crown as most powerful in South Africa? Well, we have compiled a list comprising the eight most powerful bakkies in SA in 2026. 7=. Ford Ranger 3.0TD V6 4WD – 184 kW Image: Ford SA The 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 employed by the Ranger 3.0TD V6 4WD (seen here in Platinum guise) produces 184 kW, which is transferred to all four corners via a ten-speed automatic transmission. 7=. Volkswagen Amarok 3.0 TDI V6 4Motion – 184 kW Image: Volkswagen Sharing the Ford’s 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, the Amarok (seen here in Aventura spec) is also endowed with 184 kW, making it the second-most powerful model in VW’s local Amarok lineup. 6. Jeep Gladiator 3.6 Rubicon – 209 kW Image: Jeep The Jeep Gladiator is powered by a naturally-aspirated V6 petrol...
Post a Comment
Read more

Singer unveils reimagined 911 DLS Turbo ‘Sorcerer’

Image
Based on a 964-generation Porsche 911, Singer has whipped the wraps off its first 911 DLS Turbo, dubbed ‘Sorcerer’.   Image: Singer In 2023, Singer announced the 911 DLS Turbo, a reimagined 964-generation Porsche 911 sporting a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged flat-six, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, carbon-fibre bodywork, and a massive rear wing. Now, the first in the California-based company’s Dynamic & Lightweighting Study (DLS) series of 911 recreations has been delivered to its owner. Named ‘Sorcerer’ by the commissioning client, this model’s bodywork is finished in Fantasia Blue and sits atop forged magnesium, 19-inch front/20-inch rear centre-locking wheels specified in a Champagne finish. The wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and house CCM-R carbon-ceramic brake discs. A nose-lift system has also been fitted to this model. The 3.8-litre horizontally-opposed six-pot produces 522 kW and 750 N.m of torque, delivered to the road v...
Post a Comment
Read more